Peganum harmala Seeds | Harmal Syrian Rue
LATIN NAME: Peganum harmala
COMMON NAME: Harmal
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Harmal (Peganum harmala) is a hardy, perennial in the nitraria family. Harmal branches many wiry stems into rounded clumps, narrow, divided leaves and white flowers along them, and the whole plant carries the tough, sunlit look of the dry steppe. It is a plant of open, sunny, light, well-drained ground. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the nitraria family regularly include Peganum harmala in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Harmal works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Harmal is a tough, useful plant of dry steppe and study collection. It is a tough, useful plant of open, sunny, light, well-drained garden. Harmal seeds grow well in a gritty, sandy loam kept lightly moist. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Syrian rue is a famous dye plant, yielding the red of Turkish carpets, and a potent one: its harmala alkaloids are MAO-inhibiting and dangerous, so it is grown as a curiosity and dye plant only.
Growing from Seed
Starting Harmal from seed is simple and satisfying. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Harmal is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
Related Reading
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